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House Of Representatives Passes Bill For Second Reading To Lower Age For Senate And Governorship To 30
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Stakeholders Push For Reform As Leadership Dispute Rocks Gymnastics Federation

Controversy Trails Re-Election of Gymnastics Federation President Amid Calls for Reform

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Kamall yalwa ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), also known as the Nigerian Federation of Gymnastics (NFG), is facing mounting internal dissent and growing calls for reform following the re-election of its long-serving president, Prince Kelvin Erhunmunse. Prince Kelvin, who has led the federation for the past eight years, secured a third term during elections held on Saturday, September 6, in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The exercise was reportedly attended by delegates from 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and monitored by observers including representatives from the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Describing the election as “peaceful and transparent,” Prince Kelvin welcomed his continued leadership, stating it reflects the confidence of the gymnastics community in his vision for the sport. However, the election outcome has not gone without controversy. Several stakeholders have raised concerns over the absence of officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which had earlier advised postponing the polls to allow for broader participation and oversight. Adding to the tension, the National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance (NAPHER-SD) criticized the exclusion of allied sports bodies from the electoral process, including NAPHER-SD itself, the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), and paramilitary sports organizations. Speaking on behalf of NAPHER-SD, Hon. Gbenga Samson described the process as incomplete and called for a comprehensive review to ensure future elections reflect the full spectrum of stakeholders involved in gymnastics development. “We believe inclusivity is non-negotiable. Any process that sidelines key players in the sport cannot fully represent the interests of the athletes and the broader gymnastics community,” Samson stated. Multiple petitions have since been lodged with the NSC, requesting a probe into the conduct of the election and the legitimacy of its outcome. Critics argue that without full transparency and fairness, the federation risks deepening mistrust and stalling progress in the sport. Meanwhile, other stakeholders are using this moment to push for broader reforms in Nigerian gymnastics. Calls are growing for stronger structures to support athlete development, increased participation in international competitions, and the creation of more inclusive leadership frameworks. “This is not just about an election. It’s about the future of gymnastics in Nigeria,” said one concerned coach. “We need systems that prioritise athletes’ welfare, coaching education, and global competitiveness.” With the petitions still under review, all eyes are now on the National Sports Commission and other relevant authorities to chart a path forward. For many in the sport, the federation stands at a crossroads—between maintaining the status quo or embracing reforms that could elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global gymnastics stage.

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Tyler Perry Hit With $260 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Former The Oval Actor Derek Dixon

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 – ATLANTA, USA Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million sexual assault and harassment lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges he was abused and manipulated while working on Perry’s BET drama The Oval. Dixon, best known for his role as Dale on the series, went public with the allegations in an emotional interview with ABC News on September 9. He claims Perry created a toxic and coercive professional environment that left him fearing for his job and personal safety. According to Dixon, the abuse included a disturbing incident at Perry’s Atlanta residence where the filmmaker allegedly pulled down his underwear and grabbed his buttocks. “I was under constant stress, scared I’d lose my job or be killed off the show if I didn’t comply,” Dixon said during the interview. The $260 million lawsuit, filed in June 2025, is based on claims of sexual assault, workplace retaliation, breach of contract, and emotional distress. Dixon explained the figure includes both compensation for lost wages and damages, as well as a deterrent meant to hold powerful industry figures accountable. “Part of that number is my lost job, my lost income, the loss of a show. The other part of that is a deterrent — how do you stop a billionaire who won’t stop themselves from doing this?” Dixon stated. He also accused Perry of reneging on a promise to produce a pilot script Dixon had written — a project he claims Perry still controls but never followed through on. Dixon said the decision to go public was not easy, but necessary. “I’m doing this to protect future generations of actors and creatives,” he said. “Never exploit someone’s aspirations to coerce them into a relationship. That’s unprofessional.” In response, Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be an elaborate scam,” said Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd. “But Tyler will not be coerced, and we are confident that these unfounded harassment claims will not succeed.” Dixon first filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in January 2024, several months before leaving The Oval. His claims and subsequent legal action have intensified scrutiny around power dynamics, workplace harassment, and accountability in the entertainment industry. The lawsuit is likely to draw wider attention as it unfolds, particularly given Perry’s towering influence in Hollywood and his reputation as a trailblazing, self-made creator. No court date has been set at this time.

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Qatar Bans Solo Travel for Nigerian Men Under New Visa Restrictions

Qatar Bans Solo Travel for Nigerian Men Under New Visa Restrictions

Fola Badmus03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 10, 2025Qatar has implemented a new visa policy barring Nigerian men from entering the country alone on tourist or transit visas, a move officials say is intended to reduce visa overstays but which has sparked criticism and concern among travellers and observers. The restrictions, introduced quietly by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior around September 5, apply to both new and pending visa applications. Under the new rules, only women and family units are eligible for tourist or transit visas, effectively excluding men travelling alone unless they are accompanied by family members. In addition to travel companionship requirements, applicants must now provide proof of return transfers and confirm accommodation in five-star hotels before their visa applications will be processed—further tightening entry conditions. The decision has raised alarm among Nigerian travellers, particularly male business professionals, students, and those using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe. “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” a travel industry source told Vanguard. Qatar has defended the policy as necessary to prevent illegal stays, a concern that has led to similar measures in the past. However, analysts warn that the latest restrictions may strain diplomatic ties and disrupt economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. This is not the first time visa rules have led to friction. In 2019, former Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatari authorities to ease entry restrictions for Nigerians. More recently, in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika publicly urged for more equitable treatment of Nigerian travellers. Compared to previous entry requirements, the current measures are viewed as particularly severe and targeted, with male travellers disproportionately affected. Many are now faced with the prospect of cancelling trips or reconfiguring travel plans under more costly and complex arrangements. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but calls for diplomatic engagement are expected to grow in the coming days.

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Tinubu Orders Swift Action to Lower Food Prices, Launches New Agriculture Reforms

Tinubu Orders Swift Action to Lower Food Prices, Launches New Agriculture Reforms

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria, in a renewed push to tackle the nation’s worsening food insecurity. The directive, which includes the formation of a Federal Executive Council committee, was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja. According to Abdullahi, the primary focus of the presidential order is to ensure the safe and unhindered transportation of agricultural produce across the country’s road networks—an intervention aimed at slashing the high logistics costs that continue to drive up food prices. “The President has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi stated. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with rising food costs exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, surging transport expenses, and security threats along key supply routes. Despite a series of policy interventions, millions of Nigerians still find basic food items increasingly unaffordable. The minister reiterated that the current strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of food sovereignty—one that extends beyond simple availability to include affordability, access, and nutrition. To support this agenda, Abdullahi announced the forthcoming launch of two major initiatives: the Farmer Soil Health Scheme, which is expected to improve agricultural yields through better land management practices, and a revamped Cooperative Reform Programme, aimed at empowering rural farmers through enhanced access to resources and financing. “Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” the minister added. The Abuja event, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” was also attended by Senate Media Committee Chairman Senator Yemi Adaramodu, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. President Tinubu had previously emphasized the importance of food security in his June 12 Democracy Day address at the National Assembly. He highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward achieving food sovereignty, calling for a national shift toward self-sufficiency in food production and market-driven growth. “We must learn to produce and grow most of our food, and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” the President said during his speech. The new efforts come as Nigeria continues to confront the economic aftershocks of policy reforms and the impact of global supply chain disruptions, with food security now central to the administration’s medium-term development agenda.

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Trump, Other World Leaders Condemn Charlie Kirks Assasination

World Leaders Condemn Assassination of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk in Utah Shooting

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: September 11, 2025 Charlie Kirk, the conservative American activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Tuesday while speaking at Utah Valley University during an event on his “American Comeback Tour.” The shocking incident, captured on video, has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across the globe, including U.S. President Donald Trump and several current and former heads of government. Kirk, 31, was known for his prominent role in galvanizing young conservative voters and was a vocal supporter of President Trump. He had gained national attention for his media presence, grassroots organizing, and outspoken views on American politics and culture. President Trump issued a heartfelt statement on his Truth Social platform, mourning the loss of what he called “a legendary” American patriot. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” In a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Trump condemned the political violence and urged Americans to reflect on the consequences of what he called a toxic political climate. “It is long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequences of demonising those with whom you disagree.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute to Kirk, calling him a “lion-hearted friend of Israel.” “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilisation,” Netanyahu said, noting he had recently spoken with Kirk and invited him to Israel. “Sadly, that visit will not take place.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his shock at the assassination. “I am appalled by the murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification for political violence, and every act of it threatens democracy,” he wrote. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.” Former U.S. President Barack Obama also reacted to the tragedy, urging calm and unity in the face of such violence. “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” Obama posted on X. “Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the sanctity of free speech. “My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk. It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband,” he wrote. “We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence.” Authorities have not yet released the identity or motives of the shooter, and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from political allies, critics, and citizens alike, many of whom view Kirk’s killing as a stark warning about rising political tensions in America. Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.

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Qatar's Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as State Terror, Warns Mediation in Jeopardy

Qatar’s Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as State Terror Warns Mediation in Jeopardy

Fola Badmus06 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 11, 2025 Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has launched a scathing rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an unprecedented airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, calling the operation “barbaric” and warning it may have shattered any remaining hope for a ceasefire or the release of hostages from Gaza. Speaking exclusively to CNN’s Becky Anderson, Al-Thani accused Israel of undermining peace efforts by carrying out what he described as “state terror” in the heart of a sovereign nation engaged in ongoing mediation efforts. “We were thinking that we are dealing with civilized people,” Al-Thani said. “The action that Netanyahu took – I cannot describe it, but it’s a barbaric action.” The strike, which took place Tuesday in the Qatari capital, reportedly targeted senior Hamas figures, including the group’s chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya. While Hamas initially reported five casualties among its members, Al-Hayya’s fate remains uncertain. “Until now… there is no official declaration,” Al-Thani said, when asked directly about his status. The attack also resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Qatari security officer. Al-Thani confirmed that additional casualties may be possible as authorities continue to assess the damage and account for those missing. Visibly enraged, Al-Thani reiterated the same message he delivered during a press conference shortly after the attack: “This is state terror. We are betrayed.” Ceasefire Mediation at Risk The airstrike came just hours before Hamas was expected to deliver a response to a new US-backed ceasefire proposal. Al-Thani, who had met with the family of a hostage earlier that morning, expressed grave concern that the timing of the attack may have killed any chance of securing the hostages’ release. “I think what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages,” he said. Qatar has long served as a critical mediator between Israel, Hamas, and international stakeholders. However, the prime minister warned that his country is now re-evaluating its role. “Netanyahu has undermined any chance of stability, any chance of peace,” Al-Thani said. “I’ve been rethinking, even about the entire process for the last few weeks — that Netanyahu was just wasting our time. He wasn’t serious about anything.” He confirmed that Qatar is currently in “very detailed conversation” with the United States regarding its future involvement, adding that the government is “reassessing everything” tied to the mediation process. US Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout According to U.S. officials, President Donald Trump was informed of the strike shortly before it began — not by Israel, but by the Chairman of the Joint Staff, General Dan Caine. Trump subsequently directed White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who maintains close ties with Qatari officials, to brief Doha. While the U.S. has stopped short of formally condemning the strike, a spokesperson for President Trump said the administration is “concerned” by the developments. Al-Thani said Qatar has received repeated expressions of support from Washington. “I’m following up with all the US officials in order to see what kind of actions can be taken as we speak,” he said. Earlier this week, the U.S. unveiled a new ceasefire framework, which President Trump claimed had Israel’s full agreement. Qatar had pressed Hamas to accept the terms during talks in Doha, and the group was expected to deliver a formal reply Tuesday night — just hours after the strike took place. As regional tensions escalate, and the path to peace appears increasingly uncertain, Qatar’s leadership has signaled that any continuation of its mediation role will depend on reassurances that such violations of sovereignty will not be repeated.

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EFCC Interrogates Former NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari

EFCC Grills Former NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Multi-Billion Dollar Refinery Spending

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday interrogated Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over the controversial spending of billions of dollars on Nigeria’s long-idle refineries. Kyari, who arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja early Wednesday morning, had his international passport confiscated and was still being questioned as of 8:30 p.m., sparking speculation that he could be detained overnight. At the centre of the investigation is over $2 billion disbursed for the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, which continue to underperform despite years of public investment. According to EFCC sources, key focus areas include the $1.55 billion allocated for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna Refinery, and $656.9 million for the Warri facility. Officials are also scrutinizing more than N4.8 trillion in operating costs reportedly incurred during Kyari’s leadership from 2019 to April 2025, despite the refineries running at minimal or no capacity. Contracts awarded during his tenure are also under review, as investigators try to trace funds allegedly misappropriated. While some former top executives are reported to have refunded portions of the funds voluntarily, Kyari has maintained his innocence and transparency in handling refinery projects. In a prior statement titled “Hard Questions, Honest Answers,” he said: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty – without fear or favour, with honour, respect and commitment – Nigeria moves forward.” Kyari’s invitation by the EFCC comes amid renewed public scrutiny of the nation’s oil sector and longstanding failures to restore refinery operations, despite more than $18 billion having been invested since 2010. Nigeria’s four refineries — two in Port Harcourt, and one each in Kaduna and Warri — have a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have operated far below capacity for over a decade. During Kyari’s tenure, the Port Harcourt Refinery was ceremoniously reopened in November 2024 after extensive repairs. However, operations were abruptly suspended just six months later, in May 2025, by his successor Bayo Ojulari, who cited unsustainable losses and serious technical setbacks. The EFCC noted that the current phase of the investigation will prioritize the forensic review of TAM-related expenditures before turning attention to what it described as “humongous contracts” approved during Kyari’s administration at NNPCL. The outcome of the probe could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector, long plagued by allegations of waste, mismanagement, and corruption.

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Poland shoots down Russian drones: Will NATO enter war in Ukraine?

Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones: Is NATO Being Pulled Into the Ukraine War?

Fola Badmus05 mins

Tensions between NATO and Russia reached a new high this week after Polish and NATO forces intercepted multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during Moscow’s aerial attacks on Ukraine. The incident, which occurred overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, marked the first direct military engagement between NATO forces and Russian assets since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. According to Poland’s military operational command, “unprecedented drone-type objects” crossed the border, triggering immediate response from Polish F-16 fighter jets, along with Dutch F-35s and Italian AWACS surveillance aircraft. One drone struck a residential building in eastern Poland’s Wyryki municipality, though no casualties were reported. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the incident as a “large-scale provocation,” warning that while Poland is not yet in a state of war, the situation is now “more dangerous than at any time since the Second World War.” The drones reportedly entered Polish airspace during a wave of Russian strikes on western Ukraine. Poland shut down at least three airports, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, and urged residents in border regions to take shelter. Prime Minister Tusk said 19 drones were detected in total, calling the attack a direct threat to Polish citizens. “We are ready to repel such provocations,” he stated, adding that his government is in ongoing consultation with NATO allies. The incursion has sparked questions about whether this could draw NATO more directly into the war. Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all, requiring collective response. However, Article 5 is not automatically triggered. It requires unanimous agreement among member states that the attack qualifies under the treaty’s definition of armed aggression. To date, Article 5 has only been invoked once — by the United States after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Not yet. While Poland has not moved to invoke Article 5, Prime Minister Tusk confirmed that Article 4 will be triggered instead. This provision allows for emergency consultations among NATO members when a country feels its security is under threat — often a precursor to more serious collective action. “Words are not enough,” Tusk said. “We need much greater support from our allies.” This is not the first time Article 4 has been used in the context of the Ukraine war. Several Eastern European nations invoked it in early 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion began. The use of Article 4 signals the seriousness with which Poland views the airspace violation, and could pave the way for an expanded NATO response — militarily, diplomatically, or through increased troop deployments along the alliance’s eastern flank. While NATO is unlikely to rush into open conflict with Russia without further escalation, the line between defense and engagement is growing thinner as Russian military operations increasingly affect NATO territory, intentionally or otherwise. The drone incursion into Poland does not yet mean war between NATO and Russia — but it has moved the alliance closer to the edge. Whether that line will be crossed depends on Moscow’s next moves, and how NATO chooses to respond to what many see as a dangerous provocation.

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